ARSENAL are back in the top four after a comfortable win over Leicester, with a huge clash against Liverpool to come on Wednesday.
Legendary Gunners playmaker Paul Merson has been advising his former side on who they should sign this summer.
Merson, 53, believes that the Gunners would benefit from bringing Marcus Rashford to the Emirates with his future up in the air.
And Paul has also made a u-turn on his original judgement towards midfield magician Martin Odegaard.
Fabian Ruiz wants a return to his homeland of Spain but Arsenal could tempt him into playing the Premier League according to reports.
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- Sam Dymond
Watchful Gunners could hijack Coutinho
Arsenal are considering hijacking Aston Villa's permanent move for Phillipe Coutinho at the end of the season.
The Brazilian has been enjoying a successful loan spell in the Midlands from parent club Barcelona, and Villa do retain an option to sign the 29-year-old in the summer.
However, reports in Spain suggest that Arsenal have been admiring Coutinho's Premier League performances on his return to England, and have contacted his representatives about talks.
And while Villa officials believe it is their club in the box seat to snap up the midfielder, it is the player who will ultimately decide his destination. Could the lure of Arsenal's potential place in the Champions League prove crucial?
- Jack Figg
Morning, Arsenal fans
MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal must retain their top-four spot after star playmaker Martin Odegaard hailed a fifth straight Prem win.
The Gunners are a point clear of fifth-placed Manchester United with THREE games in hand as Thomas Partey's header and Alexandre Lacazette's penalty sunk Leicester 2-0.
Boss Arteta said: "We have to be there; we should be there. Our history obliges us to be there.
"We have an excellent group of people at the club who believe in what we do.
"Then you have to put performance into results. The last few months, we have been more consistent."
And Odegaard claimed yesterday's comfortable victory highlighted Arsenal's growing self-belief.
He said: “We’re playing with a lot of confidence at the moment.”
“I’m in good shape but it’s all about the team. The team is performing so well that it makes it easy for us."
On the transfer front, Gunners' strike target Alexander Isak is now said to be on Manchester United and Liverpool’s radar.
The £60million-rated Real Sociedad superstar is reportedly one of several proven frontmen on Arteta's summer wishlist.
Finally, Real Madrid are reportedly stepping up their hunt for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.
- Ian Tuckey
We're in S-Mart form
In-form Martin Odegaard claims the 2-0 win over Leicester that put Arsenal fourth showed their ‘confidence’.
The playmaker also praised fellow midfielders Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka for making his role ‘easier’.
Odegaard said: “We’re playing with a lot of confidence at the moment.”
“I’m in a good shape, but it’s all about the team. The team is performing so well that it makes it easy for us.
“You see the job that Thomas [Partey] and Granit [Xhaka] do, they make is much easier for me in the middle.
“We’re strong as a team and that’s the most important thing.”
- Ian Tuckey
Real still eye Kieran
Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of Arsenal star Kieran Tierney, according to reports.
It is said the Spanish giants have conducted a month-long review of the Gunners left-back.
According to 90min.com, the club were initially keeping an eye on Bukayo Saka but their attention was drawn by the ex-Celtic defender.
The report states Real’s chief scout Juni Calafat has watched Tierney live and is impressed.
Now Los Blancos – who feel Tierney can play at left-back or centrally – will weigh up making a summer transfer offer.
- Ian Tuckey
Arteta: Gunners 'obliged to win Champions League place
Mikel Arteta has demanded Arsenal hold onto their top-four spot.
Thomas Partey and Alexandre Lacazette sunk Leicester as the Gunners' fifth straight Prem win put them a point clear of Manchester United with THREE games in hand.
Arsenal boss Arteta said: "We have to be there; we should be there. Our history obliges to be there but we are not there yet and there are still a lot of games to play.
"We have an excellent group of people at the club who believe in what we do. Then you have to put performance into results. The last few months, we have been more consistent."
- Ian Tuckey
Dazzling boots and a nice pair of Sak's
Bukayo Saka showed off his dazzling new custom boots during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester.
The winger, 20, has been in sparkling form this season and has been key to The Gunners’ push for the top four.
And he now has two pairs of iconic boots to match his talent, courtesy of New Balance.
Saka announced his partnership with the sports company on Instagram while showing off every angle of the two sets of boots.
One pair are suede with burgundy as the primary colour, with one side rainbow-like where the New Balance logo blends in with orange and pink.
They feature the words ‘God’s Child’ and show praying hands as well as a religious-looking figure raising his hands up at the sun.
- Ian Tuckey
Wenger: Arteta has recaptured spirit of Arsenal
Legendary boss Arsene Wenger believes current manager Mikel Arteta has recaptured Arsenal's spirit.
The Gunners went fourth aftertoday's 2-0 defeat of Leicester, with three games in hand.
The north Londoners endured their worst ever Prem start this season but turned things around and are now in pole position to finish in the top four and return to the Champions League.
Wenger is very impressed with his former player's work in the dugout and feels like the club is slowly going back to its roots.
And asked if Arteta had recaptured Arsenal's spriit, Wenger told beIN Sports: "It looks like it, yes, I think so, yes.
"We still have some way to go because we were dominating in England for some time. All the ingredients are there, the club has invested a lot of money for the first time since we have built the stadium.
“The team is stable now with their results, his leadership looks to be accepted by the players and there is a connection between him and the team. So overall, what you see from outside is positive.”
- Ian Tuckey
'United, Arsenal and Liverpool in for Isak'
Arsenal target Alexander Isak is now said to be on Manchester United and Liverpool's radar.
The £60million-rated Real Sociedad striker could be a more realistic alternative for United to Erling Haaland.
Credit: Rex Man City lead the race ahead of Real Madrid for Borussia Dortmund goal machine Haaland.
Arsenal's need for a new proven frontman is perhaps greatest.
But even if they fend off United for the final Champions League spot, their financial pulling power could fall short in any bidding war for Isak.
- Ian Tuckey
New Olise of life up front
Darren Bent believes Arsenal will make a move for Crystal Palace star Michael Olise in the summer.
The French winger, 20, has been sublime for the Eagles in recent weeks.
And former Spurs star Bent believes he’s exactly the sort of player Mikel Arteta could add to the Gunners squad.
He told Soccer Saturday: “We know he likes young players and this kid has really impressed me. For large spells I thought it was just all about Wilfried Zaha and Eze but at the moment he has himself into the team and been sensational.
“He can go past people, he has a nice range of passing, he can score a goal and his final delivery has been lovely. I think he is a top player.
“It makes sense – if you look at what Mikel Arteta has done in the transfer market at the start of the season, all the players were 24 or younger. He [Olise] fits that kind of mould."
- Ian Tuckey
Odegaard hails 'confident' Gunners
In-form Martin Odegaard claims the 2-0 win over Leicester that put Arsenal fourth showed their 'confidence'.
The playmaker also praised fellow midfielders Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka for making his role 'easier'.
Odegaard said: "We're playing with a lot of confidence at the moment."
"I'm in a good shape, but it's all about the team. The team is performing so well that it makes it easy for us.
"You see the job that Thomas [Partey] and Granit [Xhaka] do, they make is much easier for me in the middle.
"We're strong as a team and that's the most important thing."
- Ian Tuckey
Real Tiers if he leaves
Real Madrid are stepping up their pursuit of Arsenal star Kieran Tierney, according to reports.
It is said the Spanish giants have conducted a month-long review of the Gunners left-back.
According to 90min.com, the club were initially keeping an eye on Bukayo Saka but their attention was drawn by the ex-Celtic defender.
The report states Real’s chief scout Juni Calafat has watched Tierney live and is impressed.
Now Los Blancos – who feel Tierney can play at left-back or centrally – will weigh up making a summer transfer offer.
- Ian Tuckey
Cole exit is Wenger's big regret
Arsene Wenger regrets not holding onto Ashley Cole when he made the move from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006.
Cole was an England international and a pivotal player for the Gunners – and arguably someone they failed to replace.
Wenger names Cole as the player he regretted losing most and says Arsenal transfer exit was over ‘a few thousand pounds’
And his career reached great heights after making the move across London, winning the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup on four occasions.
But Arsenal could have kept him had they offered him more than the reported £55,000-a-week contract renewal.
Cole was believed to have received a deal worth £120,000 a week from Chelsea and Wenger regrets not matching the Blues' offer.
He told beIN Sports: "The player I think internally was a mistake to lose was Ashley Cole.
"Cole came out of the [academy]. It was a misunderstanding for a few thousand pounds.”
William Gallas came in on an exchange deal for Cole and later became Arsenal captain, although then left for rivals Tottenham.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal sub ratings
Emile Smith Rowe (for Martinelli, 78 mins) – 7
Nicolas Pepe (for Saka, 85 mins) – 6
Eddie Nketiah (for Lacazette, 88 mins) – N/A
- Ian Tuckey
Rest of the Arsenal ratings
Martin Odegaard – 8
Like his pal Saka beside him, Odegaard is pivotal to the way this exciting Arsenal team play – helped by having magnets in his boots.
His vision is so good, he plays passes the Leicester defenders, 60,000 in the Emirates and maybe even some team-mates don't spot.
Showing good leadership as one of the more experienced men in this side despite his tender age.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Made a lively start down the Arsenal left and provided the perfect cross to set up the opener.
Gave Ricardo Pereira a torrid time of it – it was no wonder the right-back was replaced on the hour – and continued to be a thorn down that side until he was subbed.
Alexandre Lacazette – 6
Largely uninvolved as the best attacking play happened around and behind him.
Escaped a yellow card for a needless, cynical foul on Marc Albrighton in midfield.
He miscued his shot which ultimately led to the penalty… but stuck it away in style for his fourth Prem goal of the season.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal ratings continued
Thomas Partey – 9
February's player of the month carried on his fine form by pressing on Leicester's Achilles heel and heading in at the near post from a corner.
He almost had his third-ever Arsenal goal but clipped an effort against the post then Caglar Soyuncu's hand and Luke Thomas combined to clear his header off the line.
A dominant display, doing his regular defensive duties excellently – really operating at his best right now.
Granit Xhaka – 7
Operated in a more slightly advanced No8 role early on to see more of the attacking action – and played it well, getting into good areas and helping boss the midfield battles.
Escaped a silly yellow card for catching the ball before it sailed over his head for a throw.
Bukayo Saka – 8
What a special talent this lad is. His blistering pace, quick decision-making ability and brimming confidence makes for a deadly cocktail.
It was his drive and threat that spearheaded the Gunners from the first whistle and he could – maybe should – have had a penalty.
Was in the wars as Leicester resorted to hauling him to the turf to slow him down, unsurprisingly.
- Ian Tuckey
More Arsenal ratings
Gabriel – 6
First piece of notable action was an embarrassing scream as he collapsed to the turf off the ball on the halfway line after a flick of Iheanacho's hand to his face.
Other than that, pretty quiet for the Brazilian.
Kieran Tierney – 6
Marc Albrighton was never going to burst past him with speed but look to be creative and deliver early crosses. But the Scot was wise to it.
Made a critical interception at the back post as Barnes looked to drag his team back into it.
Finished with the armband again and should have it permanently next season.
- Ian Tuckey
Arsenal ratings vs Leicester
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
Made a super-save from James Maddison in the reverse tie to keep his clean sheet but almost gifted that man an equaliser when he palmed a low cross straight to him.
Cedric Soares – 8
Knew he had his afternoon's work cut out against one of the Premier League's in-form wingers, Barnes.
But in truth he kept him quiet all game. That was his job and he did it perfectly.
Added a fine block in injury time to round off his stellar performance.
Ben White – 7
Bailed out Ramsdale with a huge tackle as Maddison wriggled and was about to pull the trigger.
No messing with his defending, didn't give Kelechi Iheanacho a sniff – nor sub Patson Daka.
- Ian Tuckey
Saka shows off new boots
Bukayo Saka showed off his dazzling new custom boots during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Leicester.
The winger, 20, has been in sparkling form this season and has been key to The Gunners' push for the top four.
And he now has two pairs of iconic boots to match his talent, courtesy of New Balance.
Saka announced his partnership with the sports company on Instagram while showing off every angle of the two sets of boots.
One pair are suede with burgundy as the primary colour, with one side rainbow-like where the New Balance logo blends in with orange and pink.
They feature the words 'God's Child' and show praying hands as well as a religious-looking figure raising his hands up at the sun.
- Ian Tuckey
Result: Arsenal 2 Leicester 0
The Gunners went fourth after their fifth straight Prem win, via Thomas Partey's early header and Alexandre Lacazette's contentious penalty on 59 minutes.
But star wideman Bukayo Saka limped off injured late on.
Leicester rarely threatened, except when Aaron Ramsdale produced asuperb first-half save from Harvey Barnes.
For all the reaction go to our live blog HERE.
- Ian Tuckey
Another controversial goal on VAR
Lacazette's penalty came after ref Anthony Taylor watched pitchside replays and decided Caglar Soyuncu had handled a goalbound header from Thomas Partey.
Foxes' keeper Kasper Schmeichel kept out a point-blank shot following Martin Odegaard's free-kick into the box.
And after Partey's follow-up effort was kept out, VAR checked if Soyuncu hand handled.
After viewing several replays himself, Taylor decided that the Turkey defender had done so as the ball hit his fingers.
Soyuncu was booked before Lacazette tucked his spot-kick home on 59 minutes.
Follow the action in detail with our live blog HERE.
- Ian Tuckey
GOAL! Arsenal 2 Leicester 0
Alexandre Lacazette's controversial 60th minute penalty doubled the Gunners' lead.
Follow the action in detail with our live blog HERE.
- Ian Tuckey
S/H: Arsenal 1 Leicester 0
It's been a quiet start to the second period as the Gunners seek the win that would restore them to fourth place.
Follow the action in detail with our live blog HERE.
- Ian Tuckey
H/T: Arsenal 1 Leicester 0
Follow the action in detail with our live blog HERE.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners show support for Ukraine hero Oleg
Classy Arsenal hung Oleg Luzhny a shirt in the changing room for today's game against Leicester – as their former defender fights for Ukraine in the defence against Russia.
The Gunners also named him with his No22 and the Ukraine flag in the squad list between Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga on the back of the programme.
They also added a touching message inside – and provided fans with a positive update on Luzhny ahead of the Foxes clash.
Arsenal wrote: "Our thoughts are with our former defender Oleg Luzhny, a double winner with us in 2001/02, when he became the first Ukrainian player to win a major trophy in England.
"A hugely popular figure with team-mates and supporters, Oleg played 110 games for Arsenal between 1999 and 2003, after joining us from a very powerful Dynamo Kyiv team that had just beaten the Gunners in the Champions League.
"We have been in touch with Oleg, who has put his coaching career on hold, opting to join Ukraine's Territorial Defence Force to try to protect his country and at the time of writing, Oleg and his family remain safe and we hope and pray this can remain the case.
"As a small gesture of our support for the man who also won the 2003 FA Cup with the Gunners, Oleg takes his old No22 on the back page of today's programme."
- Ian Tuckey
Partey hits woodwork
With Arsenal rampant, their opening scorer Partey curled a brilliant effort against the angle of bar and post.
And Gunners' wideman Bukayo Saka soon had penalty appeals rejected after tumbling as he surged into the box.
Latest: Arsenal 1 Leicester 0.
Follow the action in detail with our live blog HERE.
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